Jennifer Root
Amplifying the Invisible Children
Dr. Jennifer Root explores the human stories behind chronic absenteeism, arguing that student absences are messages signaling unmet needs or disconnection. She uses personal stories and district experiences to illustrate the power of listening, building relationships, and intentionally amplifying student voices. Dr. Root emphasizes that belonging, not data alone, drives meaningful change. She provides practical takeaways on humanizing absenteeism and creating schools where every child feels seen, heard, and empowered to thrive.
Dr. Jennifer Root has served as Superintendent of the Menifee Union School District since October 2020. Guided by the belief that educating children is a community’s greatest responsibility, she is dedicated to ensuring all students receive a relevant and empowering education that prepares them for a limitless future.
With 33 years of experience in public education, Dr. Root has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, director, and assistant superintendent. Before joining Menifee, she was the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services in the Anaheim Union High School District, where she oversaw a $400 million budget and multiple operational departments. She also held district-level leadership roles and spent 11 years as an elementary principal, during which she launched an award-winning dual immersion program.
Dr. Root holds degrees from UC Riverside and Azusa Pacific University, as well as a doctorate from the University of Southern California. She is a multi-year ACSA Administrator of the Year and a Q10 Transformational Leadership award recipient.